Most of them don’t want to do it

Tempe – I know this issue might not interest everyone, but I think it’s very important to point something out.

First of all, it’s sad that Marshawn Lynch not wanting to speak to the media is such a big story.

With all the bad stuff going on around the world, it’s of no import.

In the grand scheme of things it’s such a meaningless issue.

But I have been covering the NFL for about 20 years, and it’s important for people to realize – MOST PLAYERS DON’T WANT TO TALK.

This idea that reporters should just leave Lynch alone, and just talk to other players, is missing the big picture point here.

I’m telling you, if they had their druthers, from all my years covering the sport, I’m telling, 90 percent of the players wouldn’t talk.

They talk because it’s a rule in the CBA.

They also talk to help out the organization, help the team’s PR department out.

The PR department gets so many interview requests. They are flooded.

So players do it for the sake of the PR department and their organization as a whole. They help them out.

You should see some of the arm-twisting Jets PR guys like Bruce Speight and Jared Winley do, behind the scenes, trying to get guys to talk to the press. Believe me, it’s heavy-lifting. I see these negotiations. It’s like trying to get your kid to do his homework, or clean his room.

Calvin Pace would rather sleep on a bed of nails than talk to the press.

Same with Dee Milliner.

Chris Ivory would rather walk on a bed of hot coals.

Bilal Powell would rather get root canal.

I could go on and on.

You get the point.

And when guys hide from the press, it makes teammates, like Willie Colon, have to speak to the media longer, because other guys are hiding, Colon, Sheldon Richardson have to fill the void.

I remember Jericho Cotchery would stand at his locker for a half-hour after tough losses, because other guys hid, or snuck out of the locker room.

So I think it’s important for the public to understand the dynamic.

Lynch isn’t on an island with his utter disdain for the media. That is most players.

So for all those people out there saying we should leave Lynch alone.

They should say, we should leave about 90 percent of the guys alone.

Do you think President’s, Governor’s, Senator’s, Mayor’s like talking to the press. Most don’t. It’s an annoyance to them.
Same with coach’s and general managers.

It’s part of the job.

It’s a rare bird that likes it.

So my point is simple.

The other players are eating their spinach, so to speak, because it’s part of the job.

Lynch is basically doing the equivalent of throwing a temper tantrum.

Just remember, moving forward, most guys would join him if they had their choice.

But it’s in the CBA, and they are helping out the team.

January 28, 2015

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